Contents and goals

The objective of the project is to sustainably improve the framework conditions for renovation and decarbonization in condominium owners' associations and to increase the implementation rate of corresponding measures. Core activities include a systematic analysis of governance and funding landscapes in the Austrian provinces, as well as the identification of good-practice examples, supplemented by international references.

On this basis, COAs will be typologized and suitable solution strategies developed for different structural-technical, organizational, and social starting conditions. A key project outcome is the development of an evaluation matrix for decarbonization solutions that integrates technical, legal, and economic aspects and provides decision-making support for COAs through social return on investment (SROI) analyses.

Another major focus is the qualification of key stakeholder groups. Modular learning and empowerment formats will be developed for owners, while property managers will be supported through continuous exchange and qualification formats. In addition, a modular advisory approach involving external experts will be established to professionally support decision-making and implementation processes. The results will be consolidated into a transferable support framework and widely disseminated.

Methods

The project follows an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach. Methods include desk research, document analysis, quantitative and qualitative surveys, focus groups, stakeholder mapping, and comparative matrix analyses. Real decision-making and renovation processes in selected COAs will be accompanied and analyzed using ethnographic methods.

The development of qualification and advisory formats will be carried out in a co-creative manner, involving relevant stakeholders. Pilot implementations and accompanying evaluations will ensure the effectiveness, acceptance, and transferability of the developed instruments. In addition, moderated workshops, exchange formats, and continuous feedback loops will be used to support learning processes and to iteratively refine the project outcomes.

Expected results

The project is expected to deliver well-founded analyses of existing support and governance structures, along with concrete recommendations for improved coordination and scaling. It will produce exemplary typologies of COAs, a practice-oriented evaluation matrix for decarbonization solutions, and prepared decision-making resources for owners and property managers.

Furthermore, modular qualification programs, tested advisory formats, and documented process models for supporting renovation and decarbonization projects will be developed. A key outcome is a transferable "support framework," consisting of guidelines, tools, and communication materials, which will continue to activate additional COAs beyond the project duration and generate a sustainable impact on the existing building stock.